Seoul demands an apology after Zelenskyy reveals North Korean POWs were sent to South Korea

Live updates

1. 55m ago

   South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean POW disclosure

   South Korea is demanding an official apology and explanation from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Seoul accuses Kyiv of violating a secrecy pact and falsely denying that both nations agreed to keep the move confidential. South Korean President Lee has warned of further measures, stating the disclosure is a matter concerning the honor of the nation and its people. Seoul has already summoned the Ukrainian envoy to express serious concerns over the breach.

   Why it matters

   The dispute follows Zelenskyy's mention of the prisoner transfer during a speech to the UN General Assembly. South Korea had agreed to the confidential transfer due to humanitarian, diplomatic, and security concerns. The rift occurs despite both nations sharing concerns regarding North Korea's involvement in the war in Ukraine.

   What is confirmed

   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed during a UN speech that Ukraine sent two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
   • South Korea's presidential office demanded an official apology and explanation from Ukraine.
   • Seoul summoned the Ukrainian envoy to express serious concerns over the disclosure.
   • South Korea claims the transfer of the two prisoners was intended to be secret.
   • President Lee stated that the matter concerns the honor of the Republic of Korea's people and nation.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine falsely denied that the two sides had agreed to keep the move confidential.
   • South Korea warned of further measures if Ukraine refuses a public apology.

   What to watch next

   • Ukraine's official response to the demand for a public apology
   • Details on the specific measures President Lee may take against Kyiv
   • Confirmation of the legal status of the North Korean POWs in South Korea
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. Reuters — Explainer: What comes next for North Korea soldiers transferred from Ukraine to South Korea?
   2. ft.com — Seoul accuses Ukraine of violating secrecy pact on North Korean soldiers
   3. AP News — Seoul demands an apology after Zelenskyy unilaterally reveals North Korean prisoners of war transfer
   4. www.cnn.com — South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of ...
   5. bbc.com — Seoul summons Ukraine envoy over North Korean prisoner-of-war row
   6. CNN — South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of North Korean POW transfer
   7. www.aol.com — Seoul demands an apology after Zelenskyy reveals North Korean POWs were sent to South Korea - AOL
   8. www.ctvnews.ca — Seoul demands apology after Zelenskyy comments on North Korean POWs
   9. theguardian.com — Why is South Korea so angry with Ukraine over two North Korean prisoners of war?
   10. www.theguardian.com — Why is South Korea so angry with Ukraine over two North ...
   11. The Week — The row over Ukraine’s North Korean prisoners
   12. Asia News Network — Kyiv and Seoul share concerns over Pyongyang’s role in the Ukraine war. So why the diplomatic rift?
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